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H 2610

An Act relative to lawful right to carry

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 5 co-sponsors

Bill would reform Massachusetts firearm carry permit issuance, likely reducing police chiefs' discretion and expanding access to legal gun carrying in the state.

Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2610

Legislative bill overview

H 2610 proposes changes to Massachusetts firearms licensing law, specifically addressing the "lawful right to carry" standards. The bill would modify how local police chiefs evaluate applications for firearm carry permits, potentially shifting from Massachusetts's current "may issue" discretionary system. The specific text of the bill is not publicly available in the provided information, but the title and sponsor composition suggest it aims to liberalize carry permit issuance standards.

Why this is important

Massachusetts currently maintains one of the nation's most restrictive carry permit systems, where police chiefs have broad discretion to deny permits even to legally eligible applicants. This bill could significantly expand gun rights in the state and alter the balance between public safety considerations and Second Amendment protections. The outcome would affect tens of thousands of Bay State residents' ability to carry firearms legally.

Potential points of contention

  • "Shall issue" vs. "may issue" framework: The bill likely proposes moving toward "shall issue" (mandatory permits for qualified applicants), which gun rights advocates support but public safety groups argue removes important discretionary safeguards
  • Police chief authority: Tensions between law enforcement's traditional gatekeeping role in permit decisions and standardized eligibility criteria
  • Public safety vs. individual rights: Fundamental disagreement about whether expanded carry permits correlate with increased gun violence or constitute legitimate constitutional rights

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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